Punch press

ABSTRACT

A punch press is provided, wherein the punch cylinder head carries a plurality of punches, such that, as the cylinder head is moved downwardly toward the workplate or table, to engage the work, all of the punches descend with the cylinder head, but with only one of the punches being normally actuated to perform a punching operation, with the remaining punches carried by the cylinder head being retractable upon engaging the workpiece. A solenoid may be used to actuate a punch that is to work, by moving a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;key&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;gag&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; into position behind the punch that is to be used. The punch that is to be fixed against retraction may be automatically operated, as by being programmed from a computer, which selects a given punch to perform a given operation, depending upon cards or tapes that are programmed into the computer to control the same, with the computer or similar control device also controlling the movement of the workpiece, and by controlling the movement of the worktable or workplate. For more complex operations, in which many different types of holes would be desired in a given workpiece for example, a plurality of cylinder heads (for example six or more), may be utilized in a bank, each with a plurality of punches carried thereby and operated in the manner discussed above. However, this latter system generally utilizes a two-stage selection device, whereby one selection is operative by actuating hydraulic valves or the like for controlling the downward movement of one of the six or more cylinder heads, with the other stage comprising the actuation of one of the punches carried by the cylinder head to be utilized, by moving a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;key&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; or &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;gag&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; behind the punch as aforesaid. In the two-stage device of this invention, the computer will usually effect both selections, as well as the workplate motion, generally based upon such parameters as minimizing workpiece motion and the like.

United States Patent 1 Killaly, Sr.

[ June 12, 1973 PUNCH PRESS [76] Inventor: John S. Killaly, Sr., Apt. J-4,

JamestownVillage Apt., Willow Grove, Pa. 19090 [22] Filed: Nov. 30, 1970 [21] App]. No.: 93,612

[52] U.S. Cl. 234/43, 83/71, 83/513,

83/571, 83/620, 234/115 [51] Int. Cl B261 1/04 [58] Field of Search 234/43, 44, 116,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,963,313 6/1934 Richardson 83/572 X 1,702,097 2/1929 Vold et a1. 234/130 X 886,551 5/1908 Thomas 83/572 X 3,224,308 12/1965 Dix 83/620 X 1,650,748 11/1927 Thomas 83/71 1,153,410 9/1915 Wright 234/130 X 833,811 10/1906 Vold 83/71 X 931,781 8/1909 Macbeth et a1 234/116 1,074,900 10/1913 Sears 83/572 X 3,263,914 8/1966 Huber.... 234/115 X 1,447,000 2/1923 Wilson 83/513 Primary Examiner.l. M. Meister Att0rney--Paul & Paul 57 ABSTRACT A punch press is provided, wherein the punch cylinder head carries a plurality of punches, such that, as the cylinder head is moved downwardly toward the workplate or table, to engage the work, all of the punches descend with the cylinder head, but with only one of the punches being normally actuated to perform a punching operation, with the remaining punches carried by the cylinder head being retractable upon engaging the workpiece. A solenoid may be used to actuate a punch that is to work, by moving a key or gag into position behind the punch that is to be used. The punch that is to be fixed against retraction may be automatically operated, as by being programmed from a computer, which selects a given punch to perform a given operation, depending upon cards or tapes that are programmed into the computer to control the same, with the computer or similar control device also controlling the movement of the workpiece, and by controlling the movement of the worktable or workplate. For more complex operations, in which many different types of holes would be desired in a given workpiece for example, a plurality of cylinder heads (for example six or more), may be utilized in a bank, each with a plurality of punches carried thereby and operated in the manner discussed above. However, this latter system generally utilizes a two-stage selection device, whereby one selection is operative by actuating hydraulic valves or the like for controlling the downward movement of one of the six or more cylinder heads, with the other stage comprising the actuation of one of the punches carried by the cylinder head to be utilized, by moving a key or gag behind the punch as aforesaid. In the two-stage device of this invention, the computer will usually effect both selections, as well as the workplate motion, generally based upon such parameters as minimizing workpiece motion and the like.

14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures FROM PRESSURE SOURCE COM PalJTER SENSOR MOTOR Patented June 12, 1973 3,738,569

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 25 Fig. I 27; FROM fi 4 PRESSURE I2 SOURCE X I H T I I I 22 hi {I I COMPUTER MOTOR MOTOR INVENTOR. John S.Ki|lc1ly ATTORN EYS.

Patented June 12, 1973 3,738,569

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 VENTOR.

"S. Killoly ATTORNEYS.

COMPUTER SENSOR INVENTOR.

Johh S. Kil luly BY W M 'ATTORNEYS.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented June 12, 1973 FROM PRESSURE L SOURCE MOTOR MOTOR PUNCH PRESS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Punch presses of prior art types have basically been either single station punch presses, or turret punch presses. Single station punch presses have had the obvious disadvantages attendant to their being adapted to carry generally only a single punch, in accordance with their normal operation. Turret punch presses of course have the capability of carrying many different punches, but vmust undergo indexing, in changing from one punch to another. Thus, the time attendant to the indexing operation is lost, with such indexing generally being required each time a differently sized or configured punch is desired to be used. Generally, punch presses of the type discussed immediately above have required the of OF a table for holding the work, in clamped relation thereon, with the work being laterally movable along with the table and relative to the table,

and generally, in accordance with a predetermined se quence for moving desired portions of the workpiece into position for punching, concurrently with any indexing motion required for moving a given tool carried by a turret into position. Such table motions are generally controlled by a computer of thecard-controlled type, or of the tape-controlled type whereby the movement of the table may be programmed for most efficient movement of the workpiece, for punching various sized or configured holes in the workpiece, in the most efficient sequence, or manner. The movement of the table is generally very rapid, on the order of 500inches per minute or more. However, the indexing of the turret from a position in which one punch is operable, to another position in which-still another punch is operable, may require as much as 15 or 30 seconds. Thus, the speed of operation of a turret type punch press is limited by the loss of time in indexing from one turret station to another, not by the time required for repositioning the table with the workpiece thereon.

Another innovation in the punch press industry, that departs from the turret type punch press, but which provides for the accommodation of various sized punches, resides in the use of a single punching station, with replaceable punches, whereby the station is adapted to receive one of a number of selected punches. The punch-changing operation is generally a mechanical operation, and replaces a desirably sized punch in position after removing the previously-used punch from its position. This tool changing operation is generally more rapid than a turret indexing operation, but can also require as much as l seconds per tool replacement.

It is thus apparent that, when machines of the highly expensive type are being utilized, the lost machine time due to either tool replacement or tool indexing becomes highly significant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed toward providing an answer to the problem of changing tools in punch presses, by minimizing the lost time between operations, by providing a plurality of punches, all of which are readily actuable for minimizing the time between punching operations when different punches are being utilized.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a novel single station punch press, whereby a plurality of tools are carried ready for actuation, by a single cylinder head, that whereby only one tool is actuated, such actuation being rapidly effected, as the workpiece is moved into position therebeneath.

It is a further object of this invention to accomplish the above object, wherein means are provided that may be programmed for selecting the punch that is to be activated in any given time, depending upon the position of the workpiece therebeneath, and the desired predetermined configuration of the workpiece.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel two-stage punch selection apparatus for a punch press.

It is another object of this invention to accomplish the objects set forth immediately above, wherein the selection is accomplished automatically, as dictated by the location of the workpiece relative to a tool that is to be used to punch at a desired: location on a workpiece.

It is a further object to accomplish the objects set forth immediately above, wherein a computer is utilized for facilitating the selection, such computer being adapted to be'programmed in accordance with the desired layout of the workpiece.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from a reading of the following brief descriptions of the drawing figures, detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments, and the appended claims.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a single station punch press, in accordance with this invention, with portions of the punching system being schematically illustrated, for the sake of simplicity.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, through that portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1, designated by II, with the sectional view being taken generally along the line II-II of FIG. 3, and wherein the punch position-fixing means and activation means therefor are clearly illustrated.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view, taken generally along the line III-III of FIG. 2, and wherein certain portions of the punch position-fixing means is also clearly illustrated.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken generally along the line IVIV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary lower view of a portion of the device illustrated in FIG. 2, taken generally along the line V-V of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the machine of this invention, with portions being schematically illustrated for the sake of simplicity, and with portions of the punch being broken away, in section, for illustration of a plurality of cylinder heads carried by this multiple-headed punch of this invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, reference is first made to FIG. 1, wherein there is illustrated a punch press machine, generally designated by the numeral 10, as comprising a machine base 11, a machine head 12, connected to the base 11 by means of a vertically disposed support 13, and defining a throat 14 between the head 12 and base 11. A table or workplate 15, is provided, carried by the base 11. The table 15 may be constructed to embody features known in the art, particularly with respect to its construction details, and its flexibility of movement across and through the throat 14. For example, the table may be constructed of two table halves (not illustrated), with a central slot therein, defining clearance, or absence of table portions between a punch and a die disposed therebeneath, as viewed from the left-most end of the machine of FIG. 1, but in a manner not specifically illustrated. A motor 16 may be utilized to drive the table 15 leftward and rightward, as viewed in FIG. 1, such that a slot between the table halves running for the distance defined by the length of the table as viewed in FIG. 1 will always permit alignment of punches and dies disposed therebeneath, in that a table 15, would generally .never, during a punching operation, be moved into and out of the plane of the paper embodying the illustration of FIG. 1.

On the upper surface of the table 15 are carried a plurality of rollers 17, for receiving a workpiece 18 thereon, which is adapted to be punched. The workpiece-may be of sheet metal, or similar construction, and embodies the material in which it is desired to punch, nibble, slot, etc.

A motor 20 is provided, for driving the workpiece 18 disposed on the table 15, in a direction that is at right angles to the direction of drive of the table 15 provided by the motor 16. Thus, the motor 20 is provided with linkage 21, including suitable clamping elements (not specifically shown), for gripping the workpiece 18, and moving the same into and out of the plane of the paper of the illustration of FIG. 1, for rolling of the workpiece 18 along the roller bearings 17 carried by the table 15, and hence for relative movement of the workpiece 18, with respect to the table 15. Thus, the linkage 21 is schematically illustrated to represent both the drive linkage, and suitable workpiece-clamping members, for the sake of clarity.

In the machine head 12, there is carried, in securely mounted relation, a fluid cylinder 22, generally of the oil-operated or hydraulic type, although the same could be pneumatically operated, if desired. The cylinder 22 is provided with the usual cylinder bore and piston for riding therein (not illustrated), with the piston terminating at its lower end in a downwardly extending piston rod or ram 23. Suitable fluid supply lines 24 are provided for the cylinder 22, generally under pressure as indicated. A valve 25, generally of the solenoid type, if desired, is located in the fluid pressure line 24, and is adapted for actuation in the manner later to be described herein, for permitting entry of pressurized fluid through the line 24, into the cylinder 22, for actuation of the cylinder 22, for downward movement of the ram 23. A return spring (not illustrated) may be provided in the cylinder 22, for engaging the piston (not illustrated) thereof, and for vertically returning the same upwardly. In the alternative, if desired, the piston could be returned upwardly by any known means, as for example, by having a fluid pressure line connected to the lower end of the cylinder 22, with pressurized fluid being alternately provided to either of the upper or lower lines, depending upon the desired position of the piston carried by the cylinder and consequently the desired position of the ram 23. However, it will be understood that any known means may be provided for returning the ram 23 carried by the cylinder 22, to its upward, or retracted position.

Referring most particularly to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the ram 23 is provided with a cylinder head 26 mounted thereon, and carried thereby. The cylinder head 26 includes an upper plate 27 and a lower plate 28, connected together by suitable cap headed screws 30, or like fasteners, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

A screw 31 is provided, with its head mounted in a recess 32 of the upper plate 27, and being threaded into the lower end of the ram 23.

A plurality of punches 33, 34 and 35, are mounted in suitable corresponding bores 36, 37 and 38, for vertical upward sliding movement between the position illustrated in FIG. 2, in which an enlarged head 40 of the tool 34 prevents the tool 34 from falling downwardly, outwardly over the bore 37, and an upper most position of the tool 34 (or 33 or 35) in which the upper end of the enlarged head 41) of the tool 34 would be disposed within the upwardly opening recess 41 in the upper plate 27 of the cylinder head 26.

Each punch, such as that 34 is provided with a punching portion 42, depending therefrom, and having a mating die 43 carried by a suitable die mount 44, which in turn, is mounted on the base 11, in the manner not illustrated, separate and apart from the table 15. This is because a die such as that 43 must always be disposed directly beneath its mating punch 42, and cannot be moved with the movement of the table 15. Thus, dies such as that 43 will be mounted in the front-toback slot separating two half portions of the table 15, as described above, but not illustrated. The upper end of each die such as that 43 is generally substantially horizontally aligned with the upper surfaces of the rollers 17 carried by the table 15, for facilitating support of a workpiece 18 carried on the table 15, and for backing-up the workpiece 18, during punching of the workpiece 18 by a punching portion 42 of a punch 34.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be seen that the punches 33, 34 and 35 are provided with corresponding transverse slots or grooves 46, 47 and 48, respectively. These slots or grooves extend to the right-most edge of the lower plate 28 of the cylinder head 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and are provided with generally rectangular stops 50, 51 and 52, slideably movable in the grooves 46, 47 and 48, respectively, for movement between right-most positions as are illustrated in FIG. 3 for the stops 50 and 52, and a left-most position as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 for the stop 51, in which latter position the stop 51 is positioned over or behind the punch 34, when the punch is in its downward or punching position, thereby preventing upward movement of the punch 34, into an upward or retracted position, upon downward movement of the cylinder head 26, as dictated by fluid pressure being provided through the line 24 to the cylinder 22, for causing the tools 33, 34 and 35 to engage the upper surface of a workpiece 18 to be punched. Thus, with the device illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, and with the stops 51), 51 and 52 positioned as illustrated therein, it will be clear that, upon engagement by the tools 33 and 35 with the workpiece 18, followed by continued downward movement of the cylinder head 26, the tools 33 and 35 will be pushed upwardly into the upper voids 53 and 54, respectively, which are adapted to receive the upper portions of such tools 33 and 35, because the stops 50 and 52 are not positioned to prevent upward movement of the tools. However, simultaneously with the retractive or upward movement of the tools 33 and 35 upon downward movement of the cylinder head 26, the tool 34 is prevented, or fixed against upward vertical movement relative to the cylinder head 26 which carries the same, because of the leftward position of the stop 51, in the groove 47, which is operative to fix the tool 34 in its downward position, against upward movement. Thus, the stop 51 in the position illustrated in FIG. 3 is operative as a key or gag," to make a tool disposed therebeneath, to be operative, rather than inoperative, whereas a nonactivated gag or stop such as that 50 or 52 as illustrated in FIG. 3, is operative to facilitate or permit upward movement of its corresponding or associated tool, upon downward movement of the cylinder head 26.

The stops 50, 51 and 52 are provided with suitable connecting rods 55, 56 and 57, for driving the same leftward and rightward, as viewed in FIG. 3. Activation means, generally comprising electrically operated electromagnetic devices or solenoids 58, 60 and 61 are provided, and generally comprise electromagnetically operative windings, adapted for actuating cores such as rods 55, 56 and 57 for movement leftward and rightward therthrough, as desired, with the cores carrying the stops 50, 51 and 52, for movement to selected desired positions.

The solenoid 60 is provided with a suitable mounted bracket 62, connected to and carried by the upper plate 27 of the cylinder head 26 by suitable fastening devices such as that 63. Also, the solenoid 60 is provided with suitable electrical connection means 64, for actuation as desired, as for example, in a manner which will be discussed more fully hereinafter.

The cylinder head 26 is provided with a suitable holddown device, that is carried by the cylinder head 26, by any suitable means. One conventional mounting arrangement for the holddown device 66 may reside in the use of connecting pins 67, which are elongated threaded members, that are threaded into bosses of the holddown 66, as illustrated, and which are mounted in the upper plate 27 of the cylinder head 26 for sliding movement within and relative to bores 68 thereof, but which are prevented from sliding downwardly and outwardly thereof because of the presence of caps or heads 70 therefor, which are confined against downward movement by the bottom of a blind hole such as that 71. Helical coil springs 72 may be provided, for assuring the resilient or cushioning contact'that is generally desired upon engagement of a workpiece 18 by a holddown 66. Also, the holddown, if desired, may embody a stripping feature such as that disclosed in my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 3,296,905, issued Jan. 10, 1967.

It will be apparent from the above the punches 33, 34 and 35 will generally be provided with differently con figured punching portions 73, 42 and 74, respectively, such as is illustrated in FIG. 5 for representative purposes only, wherein punching portions respectively embodying rectangular, circular and hexagonal configurations are illustrated for exemplary purposes.

In the operation of the machine of this invention, it is preferable to employ an actuation device, that includes not only a solenoid, such as that 58, and table moving means such as those 16 and (which could, if desired be embodied in a single motor arrangement), but also to use a device for programming the sequence of actuation of the three punches 33, 34 and 35 (or more if desired), in accordance with the desired sequence of operation or cutting to be performed on the workpiece 18. Thus, if a computer 75, such as one of the digital type is utilized, instructions in the form of a punch card, or tape may be utilized to instruct the computer 75 regarding the activation of the solenoids, or the sequence of operation of the solenoids or other activation means such as that 58. Thus, in many instances, such instructions are predetermined or provided to the computer, with the computer then being electronically operative to select a desired punch for operation, and to activate its associated solenoid, as well as to operate the motors l6 and 20 for proper movement of the table and workpiece, for positioning a desired portion of the workpiece l8 beneath a desired punch that is to be operative. In some instances, this type of actuation means may readily be effected by other systems, such as by conventional relay systems not requiring the complexity of a computer. However, as distinguished from the above use of a computer, whereby instructions regarding the sequence of holes to be punched, as well as the location of such holes may be fed to the computer by suitable cards or tapes, the

use of a digital computer can alleviate the need for providing instructions regarding the sequence of the punching operation, such that it would only be necessary to provide the computer with instructions regarding the location of desired holes on the workpiece 18, and the punch that is desired to punch any given hole. In this latter instance, the computer would be provided with sufficient logic to enable it to perform the sequence in the most efficient manner, as for example, by employing minimum lateral traversing movement of the table 15, or of the workpiece 18 relative to the table 15, in that the computer could employ a sensor circuit, for sensing the position of the workpiece at any time, relative to the positions of each of the tools carried by the cylinder head, and to activate both the punch fixing solenoid thus selected and the workpiece moving devices, in the most efficient manner, taking into consideration the minimum desired wasted workpiecemoving time. Thus, it will be clearly seen that the time necessary to adapt a workpiece and the cylinder head, for successive punching operations on a given work piece can be minimized, in that tool changes, indexing and the like are obviated, with it only being necessary to activate a solenoid or like activation device such as that 58, for backing-up or fixing a given punch that has been selected by the computer, against vertical upward movement relative to the cylinder head. It will also be noted that the computer 75 is connected to the solenoid valve 25, or like switching arrangement by a suitable electrical line 76, for actuation of the cylinder head 26, in its vertical downward movement, at substantially the same time as the activation of a given selected fixing device associated with a given selected punch.

It will be apparent that a sensing device can or cannot be a component of the computer, or may be a separate component, as desired. Also, throughout this specification and claims, it will be noted that, for the sake of simplicity of description, and explaining the relative dispositions of components, the cylinder head v26, for example, is recited as being disposed above the workplate 15, although, if the workplate is of the two halfworkplate portions described herein, having a central recess (not illustrated), technically, it may be possible that the cylinder head 26, or punches carried-thereby may not be disposed precisely directly above" the workplate, in aligned relation therewith, although the cylinder head 26 is disposed above the workplate in the sense that it has a vertical elevation above the vertical elevation of the workplate 15. However, in order to avoid unnecessary and cumbersome verbiage, this designation of above is to be understood.

Referring now to the illustration of FIG. 6, in detail, an alternative embodiment of the punch machine of this invention is illustrated, as comprising a multiple station punch press 80.

The machine 80 comprises a head BI, which carries a plurality of different cylinders 82, 83 and 84. It will be understood from the outset, that more than the three cylinders illustrated in FIG: 6 may be utilized, as for example, six or more cylinders may be used, each with for example three or more punching tools carried thereby, for a total punching capability of 18 or more differently sized or configured holes in a workpiece such as that 85.

A table 86, may also be provided, and may also be of the split or halved table type of arrangement discussed above. Also, a motor 87 may be provided for driving the table 86, and a separate motor and clamping means 88, with suitable linkage 90 may also be provided for moving the workpiece 85, in the manner discussed above for the embodiment of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the motor 87 and 88 could be combined into a single motive source, if desired, as aforesaid. Each of the cylinders 82, 83 and 84 has its own cylinder head 85, 86 or 87, respectively, mounting on and carried thereby, in the same general manner as is discussed above in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 2. Accordingly, such description will not be duplicated here.

The cylinders 82, 83 and 84 are also generally of the oil-operative fluid or hydraulic type, being provided with separate delivery lines 91, 92 and 93, with respectively associated passage controls such as solenoid valves 94, 95 and 96, connected to a suitable pressure source header 97 or the like. Each of the cylinders 82, 83 and 84 are fixedly carried by the press head 81.

The device of FIG. 6 is operative to perform a twostage selection procedure, in selecting which one of a given cylinders 82, 83 and 84 is to be activated, in accordance with the particular tools that are carried in cylinder heads thereof, and to thus activate an appropriate one of such cylinders by opening an appropriate one of the valves 94, 95 or 96, and at the appropriate time. This comprises the first stage selection, although the sequence thereof may be in any manner relative to the second selection stage. The second selection stage thus embodies activating one of a plurality of solenoids such as that 98 carried by a given cylinder head such as that 85, corresponding to a desired tool that is to be used to perform a punching operation. This selection may be made by a tape or card controlled computer, in the same manner as the single station selection dis cussed above with respect to the apparatus illustrated in FIG. I. Also, if desired, a sensor may be employed, being sensitive to the relative position of the workpiece 85 at any given time, in order to convey such information to the computer, to instruct the computer as to which tool carried by which cylinder is next to be activated, with the computer then performing such selection and activation steps as are necessary, in order to actuate a given too]. Thus, the computer 100 and sensor 101 may be separate devices as illustrated in FIG. 6, or may be combined as a unitary device, if desired.

In the alternative, the sensor could be dispensed with and sequence of punching instructions be provided by the cards or tapes that are associated with programming the computer.

It will be apparent, that, upon performing the first stage of selection, only a single one of the cylinder heads will be driven downwardly toward the workpiece 85, although all tools carried thereby will be driven downwardly, and that, upon such tools making contact with the workpiece 85, all but one such tool will generally be permitted to retract or move vertically upwardly relative to its carrying cylinder head, with the remaining tool being fixed in position, by a suitable stop (not illustrated).

It will be noted that this invention is usable with punch presses that do not embody computerized controls, or other types of automatic control, such as with pantograph-operated punch presses, of conventional prior art types. In conventional pantograph operations, disposed at the front of the punch press, where the controls are located, a worker utilizes a pre-cut templet, that has been cut to precisely the arrangement desired in the final workpiece, and moves a stylus across the templet, that is mounted at a specific location, with the worker locating the stylus in holes of the templet, with suitable pantograph linkages and the like then activat' ing motion of the workpiece, and moving the workpiece relative to a punch, in the same manner that the attendant moves a stylus relative to the templet. In such conventional systems, the attendant then, after the workpiece is in a desired punching position, in accordance with the position dictated therefor by the presence of a stylus in a given hole of the templet, activates a switch, such as a foot switch or the like, for effecting a punching motion. Such an arrangement is not illustrated in the drawings, but it will be apparent that such an arrangement could incorporate the device of this invention, whereby the tool that is to be selected from a given cylinder head could either be selected automatically, depending upon the position of the pantograph stylus in a given hole of the templet, or in the alternative, the pantograph may be used for mere positioning of a workpiece, with the selection of a given tool being effected by the attendant. In still other instances, it may be desirable to have a different stylus adapted for following the pattern of a templet, and operatively connected to each different tool station of a given cylinder head. Similarly, when multiple cylinder heads are being utilized, either the workpiece motion, or both the workpiece motion and cylinder and tool selection could be controlled either manually by an attendant, or automatically by the use of pantograph linkage.

It will further be noted that this invention is adaptable for use with the gage bar type of punch press machine, wherein various tools may be carried in a cylinder, ready for use, but wherein gages may be pre-set for controlling workpiece motion relative to one or more of the punches, but wherein the actual movement of the workpiece is manual, and accordingly, wherein the selection of a given tool carried by a multiple-tool cylinder head would be exercised by the attendant. However, such an arrangement would be desirable in that it would decrease tool change time usually required for single station punch presses, in allowing a plurality of tools to be carried by a given cylinder head of each punch press, in accordance with the manner described in detail in this application.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the pur' poses of this invention will readily be satisfied, in eliminating indexing times, in that all tools are ready in position for simple and rapid actuation, it being only necessary to employ the necessary actuation equipment, and not to move a given tool into position. Only the table that carries the workpiece, or the workpiece disposed thereon must be moved into a newlateral or horizontal position, and as is discussed above, the technology attendant toward such movement permits repositioning of the workpiece into a new lateral position very rapidly.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that various modifications in details of constructions, as well as in use and operation of the device of this invention may be employed, all within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A punch press comprising a workplate, a cylinder head, means mounting the cylinder head above said workplate for relative vertical movement with respect thereto, and means for driving the cylinder head in a downward vertical direction and facilitating the upward retraction thereof, with said cylinder head having a plurality of punches carried thereby and protruding downwardly therefrom, but mounted in said cylinder head for vertical upward movement relative thereto, and selectively operable means for fixing one of said protruding punches against vertical upwardmovement relative to said cylinder head while permittingat least another said punch to remain free for upward movement relative to said cylinder head, including means for automatically adjusting the lateral position of a workpiece carried by said workplate in response to the position of a selected punch, and means for'selectively actuating said fixing means to look a selected said punch against vertical upward movement relative to its cylinder head.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fixing means comprises a laterally movable stop, mounted in said cylinder head for movement transverse to the path of upward movement of a punch within its cylinder head, for blocking upward movement of the same.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein activation means are provided as components of said fixing means, with one said activation means being provided for each said punch, and with each said activation means being operably connected to a said laterally movable stop for an associated said punch, for selective fixing of a said punch.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each said activation means comprises an electromagnetic or solenoid device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actuating means includes electronic control means for sensing the lateral position of a workpiece on said workplate relative to the lateral position of said punches, and activation means for said fixing means associated with each said punch, with said control means being connected to said activation means for controlled operation of said actuation means.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fixing means comprises a laterally movable stop, mounted in said cylinder head for movement transverse to the path of upward movement of a punch within its cylinder head, for blocking upward movement of the same, and wherein each said punch is provided with its own said 10 stop and with an activation means beingprovided for each punch as part of said actuation means, withfeach said activation means being mounted on said cylinder head for movement therewith. i

7. The apparatus of claim 6, including a spring-biased holddown carried by said cylinder head for engaging and maintaining position of the workpiece during a punching operation.

8. A punch press comprising a workplate, a cylinder head, means mounting the cylinder head above said workplate for relativev'erticalmovement with respect thereto, and means for driving th'e'cylinder head in a downward vertical direction and facilitating the upward retraction thereof, with said cylinder head having a plurality of punches-carried therebyand protruding downwardly therefrom, but mounted in saidcylinder head for vertical upward movementrelative'thereto, and selectively operable means for fixing one of said protrudingpunches against vertical upward movement relative to said cylinderhead while permitting at least another said punch to 'remain free forupward movement relative to said cylinder head, including means for adjusting the lateral position of aworkpiece carried by the workplate, and means for selectively actuating said fixing means to look a selected said punch against vertical upward movement relative to its cylinder head, and including means, connecting said selective actuating means andworkpiece position-adjusting'means for automatic operation of at least one of said selectiveactuatingmeans and workpiece position-adjusting means in response tothe relative positions of punches and workpiece.

9. A punch press comprising a'workplate, a plurality of cylinder heads mounted above the workplate for vertically downward movement theretoward, means for driving any of said cylinder heads downwardly toward said workpiece and for facilitating upw ard retraction thereof, with each said cylinder head havinga plurality of punches carried thereby and protruding downwardly therefrom, but mounted in said cylinderheadfor vertical upward movement relative thereto, and means for fixing one of said protruding punches relative toits cylinder head against vertical upward movement relative thereto, including two-stage selection means for selecting a given said cylinder head and actuating its said driving means, and for selecting-a punch of said selected cylinder head and actuating tits said fixing means.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said two-stage selection means includes control means for automatically actuating said two-stage selection means in response to the lateral position of a workpiece relative to the lateral positions of the punches in accordance with a predetermined sequence.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, including drive means for said workpiece, for lateral positioning thereof.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, including control means for automatically controlling the sequence of operation of said workpiece drive means and both stages of said two-stage selection means.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said driving means includes cylinders with fluid-actuated pistons and fluid supply lines therefor, with said pistons being connected to said cylinder heads by piston rods,and with valves in said fluid supply lines being adapted for selective actuation.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said fixing means includes a laterally movable stop associated with each punch and movable between a first retracted position in which the associated punch is free to move vertically upwardly relative to its associated cylinder head and a second position traversing the path of upward its associated said cylinder head, with each said fixing means also including activation means therefor mounted on and carried by an associated said cylinder, said activation means each comprising an electrically movement of the punch in the head and in which the operable solenoid device. 

1. A punch press comprising a workplate, a cylinder head, means mounting the cylinder head above said workplate for relative vertical movement with respect thereto, and means for driving the cylinder head in a downward vertical direction and facilitating the upward retraction thereof, with said cylinder head having a plurality of punches carried thereby and protruding downwardly therefrom, but mounted in said cylinder head for vertical upward movement relative thereto, and selectively operable means for fixing one of said protruding punches against vertical upward movement relative to said cylinder head whilE permitting at least another said punch to remain free for upward movement relative to said cylinder head, including means for automatically adjusting the lateral position of a workpiece carried by said workplate in response to the position of a selected punch, and means for selectively actuating said fixing means to lock a selected said punch against vertical upward movement relative to its cylinder head.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fixing means comprises a laterally movable stop, mounted in said cylinder head for movement transverse to the path of upward movement of a punch within its cylinder head, for blocking upward movement of the same.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein activation means are provided as components of said fixing means, with one said activation means being provided for each said punch, and with each said activation means being operably connected to a said laterally movable stop for an associated said punch, for selective fixing of a said punch.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each said activation means comprises an electromagnetic or solenoid device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actuating means includes electronic control means for sensing the lateral position of a workpiece on said workplate relative to the lateral position of said punches, and activation means for said fixing means associated with each said punch, with said control means being connected to said activation means for controlled operation of said actuation means.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fixing means comprises a laterally movable stop, mounted in said cylinder head for movement transverse to the path of upward movement of a punch within its cylinder head, for blocking upward movement of the same, and wherein each said punch is provided with its own said stop and with an activation means being provided for each punch as part of said actuation means, with each said activation means being mounted on said cylinder head for movement therewith.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, including a spring-biased holddown carried by said cylinder head for engaging and maintaining position of the workpiece during a punching operation.
 8. A punch press comprising a workplate, a cylinder head, means mounting the cylinder head above said workplate for relative vertical movement with respect thereto, and means for driving the cylinder head in a downward vertical direction and facilitating the upward retraction thereof, with said cylinder head having a plurality of punches carried thereby and protruding downwardly therefrom, but mounted in said cylinder head for vertical upward movement relative thereto, and selectively operable means for fixing one of said protruding punches against vertical upward movement relative to said cylinder head while permitting at least another said punch to remain free for upward movement relative to said cylinder head, including means for adjusting the lateral position of a workpiece carried by the workplate, and means for selectively actuating said fixing means to lock a selected said punch against vertical upward movement relative to its cylinder head, and including means, connecting said selective actuating means and workpiece position-adjusting means for automatic operation of at least one of said selective actuating means and workpiece position-adjusting means in response to the relative positions of punches and workpiece.
 9. A punch press comprising a workplate, a plurality of cylinder heads mounted above the workplate for vertically downward movement theretoward, means for driving any of said cylinder heads downwardly toward said workpiece and for facilitating upward retraction thereof, with each said cylinder head having a plurality of punches carried thereby and protruding downwardly therefrom, but mounted in said cylinder head for vertical upward movement relative thereto, and means for fixing one of said protruding punches relative to its cylinder head against vertical upward movement relativE thereto, including two-stage selection means for selecting a given said cylinder head and actuating its said driving means, and for selecting a punch of said selected cylinder head and actuating its said fixing means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said two-stage selection means includes control means for automatically actuating said two-stage selection means in response to the lateral position of a workpiece relative to the lateral positions of the punches in accordance with a predetermined sequence.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, including drive means for said workpiece, for lateral positioning thereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, including control means for automatically controlling the sequence of operation of said workpiece drive means and both stages of said two-stage selection means.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said driving means includes cylinders with fluid-actuated pistons and fluid supply lines therefor, with said pistons being connected to said cylinder heads by piston rods, and with valves in said fluid supply lines being adapted for selective actuation.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said fixing means includes a laterally movable stop associated with each punch and movable between a first retracted position in which the associated punch is free to move vertically upwardly relative to its associated cylinder head and a second position traversing the path of upward movement of the punch in the head and in which the punch is blocked against upward movement relative to its associated said cylinder head, with each said fixing means also including activation means therefor, mounted on and carried by an associated said cylinder, said activation means each comprising an electrically operable solenoid device. 